Film and Theatre Lover!

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) Review

The second installment of Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. in the lead role with Jude Law as his trusted friend Dr Watson.

After the massive success of the first reboot of Sherlock Holmes it was never a doubt that we would see Downey Jr and Law team up for a second outing. I am very pleased that they decided to make this film as I found it more enjoyable and better all round than the first film.

This film see’s Holmes and Watson taking on Professor Moriarty trying to outwit him and prevent a war starting in Europe. Something which Professor Moriarty was trying to accomplish. We are introduced to some new characters including Sherlock’s brother Mycroft played by the wonderful Stephen Fry added something a little different to the film.

We are left wondering if Watson will actually make it to his own wedding after getting into a little trouble with Holmes the night before his wedding. It keeps the comedy value from the first film with the brilliant chemistry between the two leading men. Noomi Rapace is brought in as a gypsy who’s brother they are trying to find as he is key to stopping the worst from happening.

Performance wise Rapace does not have many lines in the film but does have quite a lot of screen time. I was expecting a little bit more from her after the praise she received for her portrayal of Lisbeth Salander in the Swedish version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. But she wasn’t really given the chance to shine too much in this film.

I really did love Stephen Fry’s inclusion and such a fine choice to be Sherlock’s older brother. He can do no wrong no matter which role he is in. Also being in possibly one of the funniest scenes with Watson’s new bride. I throughly enjoyed the scenes on the train as well – this always seems to be a winning formula.

With many fight scenes as well, it really did take such a step up from the first film and despite being just over 2 hours long it was very engaging for the audience members.